Garten vs. Hof vs. Hinterhof
While English speakers often use yard to describe the area around a house regardless of what lies on the ground, German distinguishes heavily based on the surface material and the location. The main difference lies between green, grassy spaces (Garten) and paved or concrete areas (Hof and Hinterhof).
Garten
A1This word equates to garden. It refers to an area that is primarily green, containing grass, flowers, trees, or vegetable patches. Even if it is just a patch of grass behind a house where children play, Germans call this a Garten, not a Hof. It is a place for leisure, nature, and relaxation.
Im Sommer grillen wir jedes Wochenende im Garten.
(In the summer, we have a barbecue in the garden every weekend.)
Meine Mutter pflanzt Rosen in ihrem Garten.
(My mother is planting roses in her garden.)
Die Kinder spielen auf dem Rasen im Garten.
(The children are playing on the lawn in the garden.)
Wir brauchen einen Zaun um den Garten.
(We need a fence around the garden.)
Hof
A2This generally translates to courtyard or yard. A Hof is usually a paved or concrete area. It is often used for utility purposes, such as parking cars, workshops, or access paths. It is also the short form of Bauernhof (farm). If you are standing on concrete or cobblestones enclosed by buildings or fences, you are in a Hof.
Du kannst dein Auto im Hof parken.
(You can park your car in the courtyard.)
Der Hausmeister fegt den Hof.
(The janitor is sweeping the yard.)
Die Kinder malen mit Kreide auf dem Hof.
(The children are painting with chalk in the yard.)
Auf dem Hof gibt es viele Tiere.
(There are many animals on the farm.)
Hinterhof
B1This translates literally to backyard or rear courtyard. It specifically describes the paved area behind an urban building, typically an apartment block. Unlike the American concept of a green backyard, a German Hinterhof is almost always paved and enclosed by high walls or other buildings. It is often where trash cans are stored or bikes are parked.
Die Mülltonnen stehen im Hinterhof.
(The trash cans are standing in the backyard.)
Mein Schlafzimmerfenster zeigt zum ruhigen Hinterhof.
(My bedroom window faces the quiet back courtyard.)
Wir stellen unsere Fahrräder im Hinterhof ab.
(We park our bicycles in the backyard.)
Der Hinterhof ist dunkel, weil die Gebäude so hoch sind.
(The backyard is dark because the buildings are so tall.)
Summary
To choose the right word, look at the ground. If there is grass and plants, use Garten. If it is paved, concrete, or cobblestone, use Hof. If that paved area is specifically behind an urban building or apartment complex, use Hinterhof.